Amanda

Meaning & origin

Amanda is a feminine name of Latin origin that enjoyed widespread popularity in the United States throughout the latter half of the 20th century. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared on the charts in 1880, but its usage remained modest for decades. It began a steady ascent in the 1930s and surged dramatically, eventually reaching its peak year in 1987 when it held a top spot. More recently, Amanda has been on a falling trajectory since 1986, and by 2025 it ranks 493rd, with approximately 1 in every 2,674 baby girls receiving the name. This decline reflects broader shifts away from the once-dominant names of the 1980s. Despite its decreasing use, Amanda maintains a familiar presence, with top states including Pennsylvania, Utah, and Connecticut showing higher relative concentrations in recent years.

Amanda originates as a feminine gerundive form of the Latin verb 'amare', meaning 'to love'. It was first coined in the 17th century, likely by English playwrights and poets, and appears in literary works of that era. The name gained broader usage in the 19th century and saw a dramatic surge in popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1980s.